Escitalopram Actavis
Escitalopram Actavis is a medicine that treats depression and anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
How to Use
Dosage
The usual starting dose is 10 mg once a day. For panic disorder, start with 5 mg daily for the first week, then increase to 10 mg. For elderly patients (over 65), the starting dose is 5 mg daily.
Method
Take the tablet once a day with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food.
The maximum daily dose for adults is 20 mg.
Possible Side Effects
- •Nausea
- •Headache
- •Difficulty sleeping, unusual dreams, feeling sleepy
- •Dizziness, tremors, tingling sensation
- •Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth
- •Increased sweating
- •Muscle and joint pain
- •Sexual problems (e.g., delayed ejaculation, erection problems, decreased sex drive)
- •Fatigue, fever
- •Weight gain
- •Anxiety, restlessness
- •Decreased or increased appetite
- •Yawning
- •Stuffy or runny nose (sinusitis)
- •Unusual bleeding, including in the stomach or gut
- •Severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, hives)
- •High fever, agitation, confusion, tremors, or sudden muscle jerks (signs of Serotonin Syndrome)
- •Hives, rash, itching
- •Agitation, nervousness, panic attacks, confusion, teeth grinding
- •Fainting, disturbed sleep, changes in taste
- •Dilated pupils, vision problems, ringing in the ears
- •Hair loss
- •Abnormally heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
- •Weight loss
- •Fast or slow heartbeat
- •Swelling of arms and legs
- •Nosebleeds
- •Aggression, feeling unreal (depersonalization), hallucinations
Important Warnings
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to escitalopram or any of its ingredients.
- Do not use this medicine if you are currently taking other medicines called MAO inhibitors (like selegiline, moclobemide, or linezolid).
- Do not take this medicine if you have an abnormal heart rhythm or are taking medicines that affect your heart rhythm.
- If you have epilepsy and experience new seizures or worsening seizures, stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor.
- If you experience an unusually happy mood, racing thoughts, or excessive activity, contact your doctor immediately as these could be signs of a manic phase.
Show 4 more warnings
- During the first weeks of treatment, you might feel restless or unable to sit or stand still. If this happens, tell your doctor right away.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself or suicide, contact your doctor or go to the hospital immediately.
- This medicine is generally not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years old due to an increased risk of suicidal behavior and hostility.
- This medicine can cause sexual problems, which may sometimes continue even after you stop taking the treatment.
Use in Elderly Patients
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Serotonergic. Risk of QT prolongation. A significant adverse effect is low serum sodium level. Increases risk of falls. Consider potential interactions especially with preparations that increase risk of bleeding. (updated 12.2.2024)